The prestigious title of 6-star general holds profound respect within the US military and has only been bestowed three times. While one individual achieved this rank during their lifetime, the other two were awarded it posthumously. Their remarkable achievements during wartime highlight the extraordinary trajectory of their careers, underscoring the reasons behind their exclusive status as the sole recipients of this distinguished honor.
John J. Pershing’s slow climb up the US military hierarchy
Long before he became a 6-star general, John J. Pershing attended the United States Military Academy West Point. Following his graduation, he spent the first years of his military career fighting the Apache and Lakota Sioux in New Mexico, as well as at other Western outposts. While in Montana, he was promoted to first lieutenant of the 10th Cavalry Regiment.
In 1898, Pershing and the 10th Cavalry traveled to Cuba to fight in the Spanish-American War. He fought in the battles of Santiago de Cuba and San Juan Hill, earning himself a Silver Citation Star that was later upgraded to the Silver Star and a promotion to captain. After heading to the Philippines to lead repeated efforts to subdue the Moro Rebellion, he earned yet another promotion, this time to brigadier general.
In 1916, US President Woodrow Wilson had Pershing lead an expedition in Mexico to search for revolutionary Francisco “Pancho” Villa, who’d recently raided Columbus, New Mexico. The search included approximately 10,000 soldiers and lasted nearly a year. However, despite the efforts of Pershing and his men, which included the defeat of Villa’s forces, the man remained at large.
John J. Pershing refused to sacrifice American lives
When the United States entered the First World War, John J. Pershing’s military service led to his promotion to six-star general. President Woodrow Wilson appointed him commander of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF), and he was sent to France to gather a General Organization Report. This report facilitated the creation of an army of one million soldiers by 1918 and three million by the following year. Pershing’s mission was to transform these inexperienced servicemen into a professional fighting force.
The French and British wanted to integrate the AEF troops into their forces rather than allow them to operate independently. However, Pershing strongly defended the autonomy of the US Army. Despite the Supreme War Council’s recommendation to combine US troops with other armies, he refused. He described the decision as “pouring new wine into old bottles.” He wouldn’t sacrifice American lives for cannon fodder.
Promotion to six-star general
When John J. Pershing returned to the United States, he was honored for his service during World War I and became the first person to be elevated to the rank of six-star general. This rank, known as the “General of the Armies of the United States,” was new, so there was no existing insignia for it. Pershing, therefore, decided to create it himself, opting for gold stars in contrast to the silver stars used by other generals.
Pershing held his six-star rank throughout the remainder of his military career. As stated by the US Army Center of Military History, he retired from the Army on September 13, 1924, but retained his rank until his death in 1948.
Trouble with George Washington’s military rank
John J. Pershing was technically the first to achieve the rank of six-star general, but the title was posthumously bestowed upon George Washington, who had lived centuries prior. Washington, revered as the inaugural president of the United States, previously led the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.
Washington’s leadership was key in securing victory over the British, cementing his legacy as a national hero. Additionally, he presided over the constitutional convention that shaped the foundation of the United States. Despite his significant contributions, Washington passed away holding the rank of three-star lieutenant general, placing him below numerous four- and five-star generals who came after him.
A posthumous promotion to six-star general
When George Washington was promoted to lieutenant general, four- and five-star generals didn’t yet exist, let alone the rank of 6-star. As these rankings were developed, the US Congress agreed it was inappropriate for the late military leader and president to be outranked by officers who’d served in the American Civil War, the First World War and World War II.
On March 13, 1978, a law was passed to promote Washington to the rank of six-star general, General of the Armies of the United States, effective July 4, 1976. It determined that “no officer of the United States Army should outrank Lieutenant General George Washington on the Army list.”
As John J. Pershing was also a six-star general, he didn’t outrank Washington and was therefore allowed to keep his ranking.
Ulysses S. Grant showed military promise from a young age
Prior to becoming the 18th president of the US, Ulysses S. Grant had dedicated his life to military service, attending West Point on the recommendation of Democratic congressman Thomas L. Hamer and, later, serving at the Jefferson Barracks, Missouri under the command of Col. Stephen W. Kearny.
Grant got his first taste of combat during the Mexican-American War, participating in the Battle of Palo Alto and several other engagements against the Mexican forces. The conflict allowed him to show his prowess on the battlefield and it didn’t take very long for higher-ups in the military to see the soldier’s potential.
Leading the Union forces to victory during the American Civil War
Fast forward to the American Civil War, where Ulysses S. Grant solidified his place in history. Called up by Illinois Gov. Richard Yates to lead the less-than-proper 21st Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment, he quickly showcased his ability to whip troops into shape. Before long, he’d been named brigadier general of volunteers (later to be major).
Over the course of the conflict, Grant led his men through many high-profile engagements, including attacks on Fort Henry and Fort Donelson and the casualty-heavy Battle of Shiloh. After skillfully succeeding in splitting the Confederate forces in two with the Vicksburg Campaign, the military leader set his sights on Chattanooga, followed by the controversial Battle of Cold Harbor.
By the Confederate surrender in 1865, Grant had risen to commander of the Army. He subsequently ran for the presidency and was sworn in, in 1869, serving two terms.
A long-overdue promotion to six-star general
In December 2022, on the 200th anniversary of his birth, Ulysses S. Grant was posthumously promoted to the rank of six-star general. This was made possible by a provision in the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, which was approved by the US Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden, much to the satisfaction of military enthusiasts.
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With the promotion, Grant became the third individual to receive the title of General of the Armies of the United States. It’s unknown if we’ll ever see a fourth be promoted to the prestigious rank.